V-Flyer

BA only returned to this route on 9th December so when I needed to attend a function in the Windsor area it made sense to fly rather than take the train or drive - in the end my hotel was 10mins from Heathrow so all worked out perfectly.

Taking BA down to Heathrow would also allow me to see how BA was performing today (even on a short flight) having not flown with BA since 2008 having decided to be loyal to VS since that date....with over 200,000 miles flown in 2012 with VS and some really poor flights this year with them, I am now looking at all options rather than just VS....anyway, on with the TR

Arrived a very wet and windy LBA at 1830 straight from the office to catch the 2040 flight down to LHR. I found the dedicated BA check in desks easily and was met my smiling staff in BA uniforms - I was addressed by name throughout the check in process and they were super friendly - much better than some UC check in experiences this year

The airport has recently been remodelled and refurbished in parts (which was opened a couple of days earlier by William Hague) and I made my way through security which was a breeze to get to grips with the new airport layout which has an extended duty free area and a couple of new places to eat....all was going so well until it was announced the flight was delayed by 35mins due to high winds

Had a bite to eat and a drink and passed my time reading and doing some work.

The boarding call came finally at 2055 just 15mins after the flight had arrived from LHR.

Had my boarding pass scanned by the same friendly staff member who wished me a great flight using my name. It was then down the airbridge to the waiting A319.

I was met at the door by the senior crew member who welcomed me by name and directed me to my seat which was 4F.

It became clear the load was very light indeed.....in the end only 11 passengers on an A319 with 4 cabin crew to look after us

Thankfully it was reassuring to hear that the inbound flight to Leeds had been rather full or I would be worried that this route would be going faster than it arrived

Pushback at 2110 and with a very short taxi we were airborne into a bumpy climb at 2116.

This was an old Bmi A319 painted in BA colours. As soon as the seat belt signs were off the crew (all 4 of them) offered snacks from a basket - biscuits, nuts, crisps and some fruit. This came around again later on during the 50min flight.

Two rounds of drinks were offered and the G&Ts went down a treat.....I did Honeylamb proud!!!

A couple of laps in the hold and then touchdown at 2210. A quick taxi to the gate and off to find my case on the belt waiting for me and out to meet my driver.

This was a short flight with a very light load - the crew were chatty, friendly and made a few jokes. It was all really refreshing and much better than I was expecting....The Captain even came out to say cherrio at the end of the flight.

Well done BA......

Great to hear you had such a good flight - 4 CC and 11 pax sounds like a result!

Mt recent BA flights have generally been good, yes the food and drink is very short haul, but I've been pleased with them. Unfortunately it was rumoured that LBA was simply a holding flight until BA worked out how to use it's BMI slots most effectively - if this is true then I'd expect it to turn into something to China!

slinky09 wrote:Mt recent BA flights have generally been good, yes the food and drink is very short haul, but I've been pleased with them. Unfortunately it was rumoured that LBA was simply a holding flight until BA worked out how to use it's BMI slots most effectively - if this is true then I'd expect it to turn into something to China!

Indeed those rumours have been doing the rounds for sure and it wouldn't surprise me it was good to hear about the 43 members of the BA sales team who visited West Yorkshire this week to promote the route.....

I was really pleased with them, better than I was expecting to be honest........